CURE Examples
Discipline
Core Competencies
- Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering) 1 match
- Planning and carrying out investigations 2 matches
- Analyzing and interpreting data 2 matches
- Using mathematics and computational thinking 1 match
- Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering) 2 matches
Target Audience
Nature of ResearchResults 1 - 2 of 2 matches
Understanding Noncovalent Interactions and Binding through PRRSM
Amanda Hargrove, Duke University
This CURE was designed to increase instruction on noncovalent interactions and intermolecular forces, provide laboratory experiences in biochemistry and chemical biology, and deliver a more consistent chemistry research experience to undergraduates at Duke University while staying within the existing curriculum. First, the concept of noncovalent interactions is visualized in an applied setting by examining 3D structures of small molecule:RNA interactions through a portable virtual reality (VR) environment. Next, using knowledge gained in the Hargrove lab regarding small molecule:RNA interactions along with the literature examples, teams of students evaluate known small molecule:RNA interactions, pose original scientific questions, and design a hypothesis-driven experiment that can be readily tested with commercially available materials using a standard fluorimeter or plate reader. These experiments directly contribute to research that examines patterns in the recognition of RNA structure by small molecules, and the students are able to assess their contribution to this ongoing interdisciplinary project.
Core Competencies: Analyzing and interpreting data, Using mathematics and computational thinking, Planning and carrying out investigations, Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering), Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
Nature of Research: Basic Research, Wet Lab/Bench Research
State: North Carolina
Target Audience: Major, Upper Division
CURE Duration: Half a term
Hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate Ruthenium(II) Complexes Containing Phosphine or Phosphite Ligands
Jocelyn Lanorio, Illinois College
This course-based research will introduce students in an advanced inorganic chemistry course to air-sensitive and catalysis. Students will examine a series of ruthenium(II) hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borato complexes with phosphine or phosphite ligands using modern instrumentation and specialized equipment such as Schlenk line and drybox. The first two meetings should be devoted for literature search, familiarization of instrument operation, and selection of phosphine or phosphite ligand along with student submitting proposal that contains the safety protocols and handling of the chemicals involved in their selected system. Four meetings will then be designated for the synthesis and characterization of the complex. The students run catalytic and control reactions and determine the percent yield of the product using 1H NMR. The synthesis and catalytic conditions are modified from previously published research articles. This experiment combines complex synthesis, characterization, data analysis and data sharing.
Core Competencies: Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering), Analyzing and interpreting data, Planning and carrying out investigations
Nature of Research: Basic Research, Wet Lab/Bench Research
State: Illinois
Target Audience: Upper Division, Major
CURE Duration: A few class periods, Half a term, A full term